West Ham manager David Moyes may have have something of a problem in the left back position. On the face if it, things look healthy, with Emerson in fine form. But scratch beneath the surface and there are issues with both Aaron Cresswell and Ben Johnson.
Cresswell was injured during Thursday’s Europa League match against TSC, but the truth is that he was playing poorly anyway. The full back has been an excellent servant to West Ham, and probably deserved a testimonial, however he was angling for a move this summer.
Cresswell problem for David Moyes and West Ham
A transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers failed to materialise, so one has to wonder if he is still committed to West Ham. I’m not questioning the players dedication, Cresswell is a consummate professional. But, he is now very much a second choice and that can’t be easy for a player who was so close to leaving.
The third choice for the left back berth is Ben Johnson, and his situation is far from ideal either. The club have let it be known that both he and Conor Coventry will be released at the end of the season.
This leaves David Moyes with something of a problem. Should Emerson suffer an injury, the drop in standards could be quite pronounced. For that reason I would like to see Ollie Scarles groomed into the role.
With the League Cup clash against Lincoln City less than a week away, it will be the perfect opportunity to seen if the youngster is ready to step-up.
Left back is definitely an urgent problem area to address, given the latest showing and injury of Cress indicating he is declining fast sadly. The emergence of our brilliant youngsters surely deserves a planned promotion and appearances for the likes of Ollie scales, George Earthy and Divin Mubama and several others showing well. We may well address left back in January, but many of us want to see the emergence of our young players now in selective appearances as well. Jewels waiting to be polished, and not lost to predators like Man City.